Productivity

A split-screen composition contrasts old and new methods of online banking. On the left, a person holds a physical "Sampath Web Card" in front of a vintage computer monitor displaying a shopping cart loading icon. On the right, a person holds a modern smartphone showing a digital version of the card with a successful transaction checkmark, set against a backdrop of glowing digital security icons like a padlock and cloud, representing the evolution to secure, mobile-first financial technology.

Sampath Web Card: Is it still relevant in the year 2026?

Today, Gen Z Sri Lankans enjoy fast internet and e-commerce solutions such as Daraz, but Xennials remember a very different digital landscape. In the 1990s, e-commerce was only heard of, and for most people, it was a distant dream. By the mid-2000s, with online storefronts like “Akasa Kade,” early e-commerce emerged, supported by cautious online…

A close-up, high-resolution shot of a smartphone screen displaying the blue and white PayPal application icon, positioned amongst other app icons on a dark background.

PayPal: Tips for Linking Your Account to a Sri Lankan Bank

Yesterday, my smartphone chimed with a push notification from Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, announcing a new app update that would allow customers to link their PayPal accounts directly to their savings accounts. Since PayPal had officially launched in Sri Lanka just eleven days earlier [Full Story], I was eager to complete the setup with…

Smartphone displaying the Daraz app placed on top of a laptop keyboard, which rests on a mousepad printed with a world map — symbolizing global online shopping and e-commerce activity.

5 Red Flags: Products and Sellers to Be Cautious About on Daraz

On June 20th, 2024, I introduced six ground rules that I follow when shopping on Daraz, aimed at helping fellow buyers avoid disappointment. I titled the article “Ground Rules for Shopping on Daraz“, and if you missed it, I recommend giving it a read. Those guidelines were shaped by personal experience and were meant to…

Productivity

4 Supercharged Email Tools I Use Every Day

Email is an essential part of my daily routine, whether for professional communication, research, or managing online interactions. But with the sheer volume of messages and the challenges that come with them—spam, security risks, and the constant need for efficiency—finding the right tools is crucial. Over time, I’ve tested countless solutions, but only a few…

A very close-up, high-magnification shot of a housefly with prominent compound eyes and a textured body. The fly is perched on the edge of a vibrant green leaf, with a soft, blurred green background, indicating a shallow depth of field. Title: Close-up of a Housefly on a Green Leaf

A Buyer’s Guide to 11 Different Domestic Pesticides and Insecticides

When I was a toddler, there weren’t many pesticide or insecticide brands available. The only household insecticide we had was Baygon, which we used to deal with houseflies, mosquitoes, and other harmful insects. Aerosol sprays didn’t exist back then. Instead, insecticides were applied using a “Manual Pump Action Sprayer”—a tool that’s now considered a collector’s…

A young girl with long, reddish-blonde hair and large, framed glasses is seated cross-legged on a wooden table. She is wearing a light blue top, white tights or leggings, and ballet flats. Her attention is completely focused on a smartphone she holds in both hands. In the background, a large window with white curtains allows natural light into the room. To the left of the girl on the table, there's a stack of books and a container of colored pencils or markers. The overall scene suggests a quiet, focused moment of a child engaging with a digital device.

A Parent’s Guide to Productive Use of Social Media

I was compelled to write this blog post after seeing a Facebook post by a psychiatrist in Sri Lanka warning parents about the addictive nature of social media. While her concerns are valid and factually correct, my issue is that many professionals today focus solely on demonizing social media. Instead of repeatedly emphasizing its negative…

A close-up shot of a smartphone screen shows several app icons, with the Reddit app icon prominently in focus. The Reddit icon features a white alien head (Snoo) on an orange background, contained within a rounded square. A small red notification badge with a "2" inside is visible on the top right of the icon, indicating unread notifications. Other app icons are partially visible and blurred on either side, with snippets of text like "ner" and "Pu" suggesting "Planner" and "Puzzles" or similar app names. The screen itself appears to be a dark blue or purple hue.

Why You Need Reddit in Your Life?

If you’ve ever thought about joining Reddit, you’re not alone. With millions of active users, Reddit has become a hub for all kinds of discussions, advice, and knowledge sharing. It’s a place where you can dive deep into any topic, from hobbies to professional advice, and mental health support to niche interests. Unlike other platforms,…

The image shows the interior of a restaurant or dining area with multiple tables and chairs. The tables have dark, reflective surfaces, possibly glass, and the chairs are dark with vertical slatted backs. In the foreground, a bright red squeeze bottle with a white nozzle is prominently placed on a table. Another identical red squeeze bottle is visible on a table further back. The overall setting appears to be a casual eatery, possibly a budget-friendly restaurant, given the simple and functional furniture. The lighting is bright and even.

Budget-Friendly Dining Spots for Backpackers in Nuwara Eliya

While Nuwara Eliya may not have big-name fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, or Popeye, it does offer plenty of dining options that cater to visitors on a budget. Whether you’re a backpacker, a traveler keeping an eye on expenses, or someone simply looking for affordable yet satisfying meals, this town has something for you….

A clean, overhead shot of a desk setup featuring a grey Logitech computer mouse positioned in the center. To the left, a portion of a black Logitech keyboard is visible. On the right, there's a stack of two books with text on their spines, and a couple of pens/markers. The background is a clean white surface, providing a minimalist and bright aesthetic.

Logitech MX Master 3S Review: The Ultimate Mouse

I bought the Logitech MX Master 3S (White) on November 3, 2024, and since then, it has transformed how I interact with my MacBook Air. Known for its modern design and advanced features, this mouse is perfect for those who demand both performance and aesthetics. The white variant adds a sleek touch to any workspace…

A wide shot of a supermarket aisle featuring shelves stocked with various bottled beverages, including juices and flavored drinks, in different colors and sizes. Below them, a refrigerated display case is filled with frozen food items and packaged goods. Overhead fluorescent lighting illuminates the aisle.

12 Consumer Products That Are Not Worth Buying

If you’ve been following this blog over the past four years, you’re likely well aware that I believe that sharing real-world insights can help others make more informed decisions. Today’s post is no exception to this approach. In this article, I want to discuss twelve consumer products that, based on my own experiences, are not…